SL/R231: LOW MILEAGE & HOT WEATHER SL
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
LOW MILEAGE & HOT WEATHER SL
I’m curious if any Mercedes owners have experienced similar low mileage/hot dry climate issues?
If you live in a hot dry climate and don’t drive your MBZ a lot, read this:
At around 10 years and 20,000 miles, my SL550 was in for Service, and I was advised that the car needed an auxiliary transmission pump. Around an $1800 repair, Including parts and labor.
Assuming the dealer was honest, proceeded to have the repair done. I asked if this was a common repair and was advised that it is not.
After the repair I requested Mercedes-Benz USA reimburse me for an uncommon repair on a very low miles car, despite its age. My car has been serviced regularly per manufacturers specifications. The car has been in Southern California since new.
Here is their reply:
“Hello Sir. Your request for repair reimbursement has been respectfully declined. This is MBUSA final position please review below:
I have reviewed the invoice and the multi point inspection , which is included along with the invoice for your case review. This vehicle is 10 years old with only 20,444 miles on the odometer, and in my experience vehicles that sit for extended periods of time or driven very little daily, can experience oil seals shrinkage that will allow oil to leak, due to lack of use. The local weather also can contribute to the failure due to our excessive dry heat that we experience over 6 months of the year.”
I will never buy or recommend a MBZ vehicle for a low mileage driver (as above) or someone living in a climate with “excessive dry heat”.
It’s a shame they don’t disclose these repair risk factors at the time of purchase.
If you live in a hot dry climate and don’t drive your MBZ a lot, read this:
At around 10 years and 20,000 miles, my SL550 was in for Service, and I was advised that the car needed an auxiliary transmission pump. Around an $1800 repair, Including parts and labor.
Assuming the dealer was honest, proceeded to have the repair done. I asked if this was a common repair and was advised that it is not.
After the repair I requested Mercedes-Benz USA reimburse me for an uncommon repair on a very low miles car, despite its age. My car has been serviced regularly per manufacturers specifications. The car has been in Southern California since new.
Here is their reply:
“Hello Sir. Your request for repair reimbursement has been respectfully declined. This is MBUSA final position please review below:
I have reviewed the invoice and the multi point inspection , which is included along with the invoice for your case review. This vehicle is 10 years old with only 20,444 miles on the odometer, and in my experience vehicles that sit for extended periods of time or driven very little daily, can experience oil seals shrinkage that will allow oil to leak, due to lack of use. The local weather also can contribute to the failure due to our excessive dry heat that we experience over 6 months of the year.”
I will never buy or recommend a MBZ vehicle for a low mileage driver (as above) or someone living in a climate with “excessive dry heat”.
It’s a shame they don’t disclose these repair risk factors at the time of purchase.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 488
Likes: 308
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
It's a complex car that is 10 years old. MB isn't going to fix it for you and as they state, sometimes sitting idle is worse for a car than lots of miles.
Also do NOT assume the dealer is honest. Those free "multi-point" inspections are a huge revenue generator. Get a second opinion from a good independent MB shop.
Also do NOT assume the dealer is honest. Those free "multi-point" inspections are a huge revenue generator. Get a second opinion from a good independent MB shop.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
Agree on all points, and after the repair I only use an independent repair shop unless they say take it to the dealership.
I’d hoped MBZ would do the right thing as BMW and Lexus have done for me.
I’d hoped MBZ would do the right thing as BMW and Lexus have done for me.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
I DO! 😊
BMW and Lexus both said that they do a lot of good faith, reimbursements, and repairs when the items could go one way or the other.
Both said it is about reputation and customer retention. That’s why my next car will be a BMW.
BMW and Lexus both said that they do a lot of good faith, reimbursements, and repairs when the items could go one way or the other.
Both said it is about reputation and customer retention. That’s why my next car will be a BMW.
